The messaging platform now allows users to secure and access their backups using passkeys. This lets users secure their chat history using fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock code. 

Replacing the old method that required WhatsApp users to store a 64-character encryption key or recall a backup password, the passkey makes security become as effortless as unlocking your phone, a simple tap or glance is all it takes to protect or restore your chat history.

WhatsApp says users can now restore their chats seamlessly even after losing a device, without having to hunt for passwords or manually enter encryption keys. The system relies on biometric or device-level authentication, giving users a faster way to protect their data.

“Many of us carry years of precious memories in our WhatsApp chats – photos, heartfelt voice notes, and important conversations,” the company said. “That’s why protecting them if you ever lose your phone or need to transfer to a new device is so important.”

The passkey upgrade expands on the WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups introduced in 2021, reiterating the company’s focus on a password-free app.

It also builds on the platform’s earlier rollout of passkeys for account logins, making it clear that WhatsApp wants to make strong security simpler for everyone.

WhatsApp, which now serves over 3 billion users worldwide, said the new feature will roll out gradually over the next few weeks and months on both Android and iOS..

To activate the feature once available, users can open Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup, then choose to secure their backups using a passkey.

The post WhatsApp Rolls Out Passkey-Encrypted Chat Backups for Easier, Safer Access appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The law, enforced since March 2024, compels tech firms classified as “gatekeepers”, including Apple, Google, Meta and Amazon, to open their platforms to third parties, permit alternative app stores and payment systems, and end practices such as self-preferencing. It is currently under review, with the European Commission receiving stakeholder feedback up to September 24.

Apple says these policies are already limiting what customers in Europe can access. According to the company, several new features have been delayed, including iPhone-to-Mac mirroring, live translation with AirPods, and enhanced location-based tools in Maps. 

Apple says these features depend on its tightly integrated ecosystem and cannot be safely extended to third-party platforms without risking user data.

“It’s become clear that we can’t solve every problem the DMA creates,” Apple said. “Over time, it’s become clear that the DMA isn’t helping markets. It’s making it harder to do business in Europe.”

The Commission has dismissed Apple’s objections, stressing that obligations under the law are not negotiable. A spokesperson noted: “Gatekeepers, like Apple, must allow interoperability of third-party devices with their operating systems.”

The issue reveals how far governments can push top tech firms to open their systems without damaging user safety. Apple argues that sideloading apps and the rise of alternative marketplaces, both required under the DMA, expose consumers to scams, malware and pornography apps that were previously blocked from its App Store. The company says younger users and those less experienced with technology are most at risk.

Apple’s case aligns with concerns raised in Washington, where former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration repeatedly condemned the DMA as discriminatory against American technology firms. 

The issue has also come with penalties: in April, Apple and Meta were fined for non-compliance, with Apple facing a €500 million sanction over restrictions on developer communications.

Reports from policy think tanks such as EPICENTER and ITIF have added weight to Apple’s stance, arguing that the DMA’s rigid design risks stifling innovation, delaying product rollouts and spreading compliance costs to smaller businesses.

The European Commission maintains that the law is essential to increase competition and consumer choice. Its first formal review is expected to determine whether the rules will be tightened further, potentially extending obligations to social networks.

Apple has made it clear it will continue to comply with legal requirements, but it is also noting that the EU regulation may come at a high cost for users, fewer features, slower innovation and, paradoxically, weaker protections.

The post Apple Warns EU Law is Blocking Features, Heightening Security Risks appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The new feature, available on both Android and iPhone, is aimed at breaking down communication limitations among WhatsApp’s global community of more than three billion people. 

Android users will initially access six languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, while iPhone users will have access to over 19 languages from the start. More will be added over time.

To use the feature, a user only needs to long-press a message and select the “Translate” option. The translated version will appear instantly, and preferred languages can be saved for quicker future use. It works in one-on-one conversations, group chats, and even Channel updates.

Android users have an additional option: automatic translation of an entire chat thread. Once enabled, every incoming message in that conversation will be translated by default.

Meta noted that the function is built with privacy in mind. “Message translations were designed to protect the privacy of your chats. That’s why translations occur on your device where WhatsApp cannot see them,” the company explained.

The update is being introduced gradually and will reach users in different regions in phases. In embedding translation directly into the app, WhatsApp hopes to make communication easier and more seamless across cultures, ensuring users no longer have to rely on third-party tools.

The post WhatsApp Launches In-App Message Translation Across Devices appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Some say they’re clunky, slow, and miss the point entirely. Now, in a rare pivot, Apple is quietly trying to fix things by tapping into something it has long guarded: your device’s data.

No, they’re not harvesting your emails. But they are sending test data to your iPhone or Mac—if you’ve opted in to share analytics. That’s the catch. They call this process differential privacy, but in real terms, here’s what it means: Apple creates large pools of fake emails, analyses their structure, and then compares them to snippets from real user content—without ever collecting that content.

It’s a workaround. A clever one.

The company admitted in a blog post: “To curate a representative set of synthetic emails, we start by creating a large set of synthetic messages on a variety of topics […] We then derive a representation, called an embedding, of each synthetic message that captures some of the key dimensions of the message like language, topic, and length.”

Apple Sued Over Apple Intelligence Delay; Customers Seek Compensation for Missing AI Features

These “embeddings” are sent to devices participating in Apple’s Device Analytics programme. Those devices then silently check them against your real email samples—not to send back your data, but to inform Apple which of its synthetic datasets hit the mark.

I get why they’re doing it. Apple’s current AI features have fallen behind the likes of OpenAI and Google. Its models are struggling because they’re too reliant on data that doesn’t reflect how people actually communicate. Real-world input is messy, nuanced, and unpredictable. The synthetic stuff? Too polished, too generic.

Apple is hoping this new feedback loop will breathe life into tools like Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and Writing Tools. And while they claim to respect your privacy—“Synthetic data are created to mimic the format and important properties of user data, but do not contain any actual user-generated content”—the success of this hinges entirely on whether enough users say yes to the background data checks.

There’s more. In the same blog post, Apple explained that it’s using this method to refine summaries, writing suggestions, and even memory-based image creation. It all ties into a bigger initiative the company has branded as “Apple Intelligence”, which—let’s be honest—hasn’t exactly inspired confidence yet.

Interestingly, Apple’s recent management shuffle has its own story. In March, the company stripped Siri from long-time executive John Giannandrea. Control was handed instead to Mike Rockwell, the man behind the Vision Pro, and software boss Craig Federighi. They want results, not promises.

But the timeline is still murky. While the changes are expected to appear in beta versions of iOS 18.5 and macOS 15.5, the more significant AI updates—especially for Siri—won’t land until next year.

It’s a wait-and-see game now. Apple’s new approach is smarter, more private, and frankly overdue. But if people don’t opt in—or if the synthetic datasets still fall flat—then Apple may find itself further behind in a path it used to lead.

The post Apple Quietly Changes Tactics to Fix Flawed AI Tools, But Only If You Say Yes appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

As connectivity becomes more affordable and ubiquitous, Kenyans and Nigerians have become increasingly tech-savvy and conscious regarding how much data they share with technology companies and what the latter are doing with it.

In the face of these growing concerns, companies operating in Africa need to be mindful of the increasing privacy mindset of their customers.

Aside from regulatory compliance, companies should actively demonstrate that they care about their customers’ privacy concerns in order to build and sustain trust and to show they’re taking a proactive approach to protect their personal information.

The importance of regulatory compliance

The first step any company should take to safeguard their customers’ privacy is ensuring they’re compliant with all of the relevant laws and regulations. In countries like Kenya and Nigeria, data protection regulations are relatively new.

The Data Protection Act of 2019, enforced by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), regulates data protection in Kenya.

The act expressly prohibits organisations from processing personal data if their consent has not been provided first.

Each organisation must have a data controller and/or a data processor whose responsibility is to prove they’ve obtained consent before processing a person’s data.

Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, meanwhile, was signed into law in 2023. The act governs both manual and automatic data processing.

The act also established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which is an independent body that governs data protection and regulation in the country.

In addition to defining sensitive personal data as including an individual’s genetic and biometric data as well as their race, ethnicity, and health status, among other things, the act also provides specific grounds for the processing of this sensitive personal data.

According to the act, such data can be processed where consent is provided or where processing is necessary for social security or employment laws.

Both of these laws are in line with similar laws and regulations around the world, such as Europe’s GDPR. That means they’re not only a good place for Nigerian and Kenyan businesses to start for compliance, but they also help businesses gain good footing when it comes to protecting customer data should they start operating internationally.

Beyond compliance

Companies should, however, view regulatory compliance as the bare minimum when it comes to meeting their customers’ privacy needs.

Given the parlous state of privacy protection across many African countries, going above and beyond with customer privacy can be a positive differentiator for companies that get it right.

Among the initiatives they can undertake in this direction are investing in data center security to minimise the collection of data, requesting permission from customers while collecting sensitive information, and ultimately reducing their reliance on selling user data for revenue gains. Another initiative that organisations can implement is implementing multi-factor authentication if they require customers to log in to an account to access their products and services.

Another aspect that businesses should pay close attention to is which technology vendor they work with to run their internal operations. Businesses should ensure the third-party tech tools they deploy within their IT infrastructure also come with strong data privacy and protection controls, and the corresponding vendors also practice transparent data collection practices.

Should one of these vendors fall victim to a cybersecurity breach, the customer data of the organisations using it could easily fall into nefarious hands.

Businesses should, therefore, ensure they make use of software providers and vendors that are, themselves, compliant with all the relevant privacy laws and regulations, and offer a comprehensive set of security measures and procedures, including controlled user access, enterprise mobility management (EMM) integration, IP restrictions, and secure integrations.

Riding the positives of proactive protection

While there are many negatives associated with data protection failures, including reputational damage and legal punishments, it’s also important that organisations understand the positives associated with proactive data protection.

High up on the list of those positives is building trust. Customers who trust the companies they buy from are more likely to be loyal in the long term, make repeat purchases in the future, and act as evangelists to others.

At a time when customers are increasingly concerned about data privacy, building that trust is more difficult, but also more rewarding than ever. It, in other words, is something worth investing in.

The post SAFER INTERNET | The Growing Importance of Privacy amongst Customers & How Businesses Should Cater to it appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Would you agree to participate? What if you knew that your data could be used for other purposes, such as developing new products, services, or policies, without your consent or knowledge? How would you feel about the potential benefits and risks of data sharing in this scenario?

Data sharing is the process of making data available to others for various purposes, such as research, innovation, education, or public service.

Data sharing can have many benefits, such as enhancing scientific discovery, improving social welfare, increasing economic growth, and fostering collaboration.

However, data sharing can also pose many risks, such as violating privacy, enabling discrimination, facilitating exploitation, and undermining trust. T

herefore, data sharing requires careful consideration of the ethical, legal, and social implications of how data is collected, stored, accessed, used, and reused.

The Benefits of Data Sharing in the Era of Big Data and AI

Big data refers to the large volume, variety, and velocity of data that is generated from various sources, such as sensors, devices, platforms, or networks.

AI refers to the use of algorithms and systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, or decision-making.

Big data and AI can enable new forms of data analysis and applications that can generate valuable insights and solutions for various problems and challenges.

For example, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, data sharing can enhance scientific discovery by enabling faster and more efficient research collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and regions.

As an example of data sharing for innovation, scientists in South Korea’s Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) facility have managed to sustain a nuclear fusion reaction running at temperatures in excess of 100 million°C for 30 seconds for the first time.

This breakthrough could pave the way for clean and unlimited energy sources in the future. As an example of data sharing for education, Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation that provides free online courses and resources for learners of all ages.

By using big data and AI to personalise learning experiences and track progress, Khan Academy has reached over 100 million students worldwide.

As an example of data sharing for public service, the United Nations (UN) has launched a platform called UN Global Pulse that uses big data and AI to monitor and respond to global issues such as poverty, health, climate change, and human rights.

By using real-time data from sources such as social media, mobile phones, satellites, or sensors, UN Global Pulse can provide timely and actionable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders.

The Risks of Data Sharing in the Era of Big Data and AI

However, big data and AI can also create new challenges and threats for data sharing, such as increasing the scale and scope of data collection and use, reducing the transparency and accountability of data processing and outcomes, and amplifying the potential harms and impacts of data misuse and abuse.

For example, according to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the amount of data created and consumed in the world will grow from 59 zettabytes in 2020 to 175 zettabytes in 2025.

This means that more and more data will be collected and used by various actors for various purposes, some of which may not be aligned with the interests or preferences of the data subjects.

Moreover, the complexity and opacity of big data and AI systems may make it difficult or impossible for the data subjects to understand or control how their data is processed or what outcomes are produced.

Furthermore, the misuse or abuse of big data and AI systems may result in serious harms or impacts for the data subjects, such as identity theft, financial loss, psychological distress, social discrimination, or physical harm.

For example, according to a report by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), there have been many cases of privacy breaches, data leaks, or cyberattacks that have exposed or compromised the personal data of millions of people.

As an example of a privacy breach, Facebook has faced several scandals involving the unauthorised or inappropriate access or use of its users’ data, such as the Cambridge Analytica case involving data manipulation for political purposes.

As an example of a data leak, Equifax, a credit reporting agency, has suffered a massive data breach that affected the personal and financial information of 147 million Americans.

As an example of a cyberattack, the Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel supplier in the US, has been hacked by a ransomware group that demanded a payment of $4.4 million to restore its operations.

The Elements of Balance for Data Sharing in the Era of Big Data and AI

Therefore, it is important to balance the benefits and risks of data sharing in the era of big data and AI. This requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that involves various stakeholders, such as data providers, users, regulators, intermediaries, and beneficiaries. Some of the key elements of this approach are:

1. Establishing clear and consistent rules and standards for data sharing that respect the rights and interests of all parties involved. This includes defining the purpose, scope, conditions, and limitations of data sharing; ensuring the quality, security, and integrity of data; protecting the privacy and confidentiality of data subjects; preventing the unauthorised or inappropriate access or use of data; and enforcing the compliance and accountability of data actors.
2. Promoting fair and equitable data-sharing practices and outcomes that balance the costs and benefits of all parties involved. This includes ensuring the consent and participation of data subjects; providing incentives and rewards for data providers; supporting the access and availability of data for users; enhancing the value and utility of data for beneficiaries; and addressing the potential biases or inequalities in data distribution or representation.
3. Fostering a culture of trust and responsibility for data sharing that encourages collaboration and communication among all parties involved. This includes raising awareness and education about the opportunities and challenges of data sharing; engaging in dialogue and consultation with relevant stakeholders; building capacity and competence for data literacy and skills; developing mechanisms for feedback and evaluation; and creating platforms for innovation and learning.

Data sharing is not a simple or straightforward process. It involves multiple dimensions, factors, and trade-offs that need to be carefully weighed and balanced.

Data sharing can have significant benefits for society but also pose serious risks for individuals.

Therefore, we need to be mindful of how we share our data in the era of big data and AI. We need to be informed about our rights and responsibilities as data subjects.

We need to be involved in shaping the rules and standards for data sharing as data providers. We need to be vigilant about the practices and outcomes of data sharing as data users. And we need to be proactive in creating value from our shared data as beneficiaries.

Data sharing is not only a technological challenge, but also an ethical one. It requires us to rethink how we collect, store, access, use, and reuse data in ways that respect the rights and interests of all parties involved, promote fair and equitable practices and outcomes, and foster trust and collaboration among data actors.

How can we achieve this balance? What are the best practices or frameworks that we can adopt or develop? How can we ensure that data sharing serves the common good rather than private interests?

These are some of the questions that we need to address as we navigate the nexus of data sharing and privacy in the era of big data and AI.

*Oluwole Asalu, champions the fusion of data sharing and privacy in the age of Big Data and AI, writes from Lagos, Nigeria,

The post Data and Privacy: How to Balance Sharing and Protection in the Big Data and AI Era appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

As we navigate through this digital landscape, the need to reinforce our defenses against cyber dangers has never been more critical. In this piece, we’ll unravel some ingenious software hacks and best practices that will transform you into a digital guardian, protecting your precious data, enhancing your security and privacy, and fortifying your online stronghold. 

From the impenetrable shield of two-factor authentication to the secret vault of password managers, and the encrypted walls safeguarding your files, let’s embark on a journey to empower you with the ultimate security and privacy arsenal. Lock and load for a safer, worry-free digital adventure

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Two-Factor Authentication is an extra layer of security that adds an additional step to the login process. It requires users to provide not only their password but also a secondary verification, typically a one-time code sent to their mobile device or email. 

Enabling 2FA on your accounts will help you create a significant barrier for potential hackers. Even if your password gets compromised, the attacker would still need access to your mobile device or email to complete the login process, making it much harder for them to breach your accounts.

2. Embrace Password Managers:

One of the most common mistakes people make is using weak or repetitive passwords across multiple accounts. Password managers are tools designed to generate, store, and autofill complex passwords for each of your accounts. 

This ensures that each account has a unique and robust password, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, password managers encrypt your data, providing an extra layer of protection against potential breaches.

3. Encrypt Your Files:

Encrypting files ensures that only authorized parties can access their contents. Whether you’re storing sensitive documents or backing up important data, encryption is a must. 

Many operating systems offer built-in encryption tools, or you can use third-party software to encrypt individual files or entire drives. In case your device falls into the wrong hands or is compromised, encrypted files will remain inaccessible, safeguarding your valuable information.

4. Adopt Secure Browsing Techniques

Browsing the internet can expose you to various security risks, such as phishing attacks and malicious software. To enhance your online security, consider the following practices:

• Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and plugins to patch potential vulnerabilities.
• Use HTTPS: Ensure websites you visit have HTTPS enabled, especially when handling sensitive information or making online transactions. HTTPS encrypts data during transmission, preventing eavesdropping and data interception.
• Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, adding a layer of anonymity and security while browsing. It also protects your data when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious with downloads and email attachments: Only download files from trusted sources, and avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware.

5. Protect Sensitive Information

In addition to the software hacks mentioned above, protecting sensitive information requires a combination of technical measures and responsible digital behavior:

• Regularly back up your data: In case of a security breach or data loss, having regular backups can be a lifesaver.
• Be mindful of sharing personal information: Limit the amount of personal information you share online and on social media platforms. Cybercriminals can use this information to target you with phishing attempts or identity theft.
• Educate yourself and your employees: If you run a business, educate your team about security best practices to create a security-conscious culture.

Conclusion

Enhancing security and privacy in our digital lives is an ongoing process. By implementing these software hacks and best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats. 

Always stay informed about the latest security developments and be proactive in safeguarding your digital assets. A more secure and privacy-focused approach to technology will grant you peace of mind and empower you to enjoy all the benefits the digital world has to offer.

The post Essential Hacks, Best Practices to Strengthen Your Security, Privacy appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The government’s active participation was evident as it attended the June 2023 edition of webinars on the National second level domains, aimed at sensitizing and building the capacity of stakeholders involved in the implementation.

The webinar, which took place earlier today, witnessed a substantial turnout of over 90 stakeholders from various government institutions and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the country.

The highlight of the event was a comprehensive presentation titled “Safeguarding Our Critical Data: A Comprehensive Approach to Data Protection,” delivered by Barrister Babatunde Bamigboye, the Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations at the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).

Barrister Bamigboye emphasized the critical role of Data Protection in the implementation of the 2LD policy and expressed the NDPB’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders within the ecosystem.

In his words, “Protecting critical data requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technical measures, robust policies, and a vigilant workforce.”

During the presentation, Barrister Bamigboye outlined a comprehensive approach to safeguarding critical data, incorporating both technical and organizational measures.

He emphasized that Data Protection is crucial for the success of the digital economy, national security, and fundamental human rights, the pillars upon which the 2LD policy rests.

He highlighted the immense value of critical data and its vulnerability to various threats, including hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access.

Drawing attention to recent research on unauthorized access, where approximately 40,000 accounts were hacked which translates to a 90% success rate, he stressed the importance of proactive steps to protect critical data, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

To aid understanding of data privacy and protection, Barrister Bamigboye provided simple guidelines developed by the Bureau.

These include conducting risk assessments, implementing access controls, updating systems, backing up data, educating employees, monitoring networks, and establishing an incident response plan.

He urged organizations and government agencies to invest in educating and training employees on data protection best practices, as human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need for regular training sessions, accompanied by clear data security policies and procedures, to foster and strengthen a culture of data protection within organizations.

“Prioritizing data protection measures not only mitigates risks but also helps maintain the trust of partners and stakeholders in an increasingly data-driven world”. He maintained

In his welcome remarks, the Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashif Inuwa Abdullahi, said that the goal of the webinar series is to educate MDAs and other key stakeholders on the importance of establishing and maintaining proper custody of government data and information.

He stressed that the centerpiece of the National Policy on the National Second Level Domain is the proper custody of government data and information.

The Director-General also highlighted the significance of effective data utilization for government institutions to achieve high performance, in addition to data protection and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

He mentioned that NITDA has developed a National Data Strategy to enable Federal Public Institutions to derive greater value from data.

“Ensuring improved safety and security of government data becomes crucial as the adoption and utilization of the 2LD increases”.

Finally, the Director-General urged attendees to spread the news of the adoption of the N2LD, emphasizing its potential to foster innovation in the provision of government digital services.

Mr. Adamu Auwal Gene, one of the participants, expressed his appreciation for the webinar, stating, “Quite a useful presentation. It refreshes my mind on some of the important ways to level up and keep the bad guys in check in terms of data protection.”

The active engagement of the Anambra State government and the dedication of stakeholders in advocating for data protection within the framework of the Second Level Domain policy exemplify a significant step towards a secure and robust digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

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